Easy Beef Empanada Recipe: Golden Pockets of Savory Joy

Crispy, golden pastry shells cradle a savory beef empanada recipe that brings South American street food magic right to your kitchen.

These delectable hand pies burst with rich, spiced ground beef and aromatic seasonings.

Every bite tells a story of culinary tradition and homemade comfort.

Traditional techniques meet modern simplicity in this foolproof recipe.

Each empanada promises a perfect balance of flaky crust and robust meat filling.

The combination of tender beef, warm spices, and buttery pastry creates an irresistible meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into a celebration.

You’ll want to share these mouthwatering pockets of deliciousness with everyone at the table.

Why These Beef Empanadas Are a Must-Try

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Mix and match spices, add different cheeses, or swap ground beef for chicken or vegetarian alternatives to keep the recipe exciting and personalized.
• Kids and adults alike will love these handheld delights that make mealtime fun and interactive, with each person getting their own portable packet of deliciousness.
• Using pre-made pie crusts and simple ingredients means less prep work, quicker cleanup, and a stress-free cooking experience that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients for Homemade Beef Empanadas

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that forms the hearty base of the empanada filling.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the beef mixture.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the depth and warmth of the beef filling.
• Minced Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a robust flavor to the meat mixture.

• Pre-made Pie Crusts: Convenient pastry that creates the crispy exterior of the empanadas.
• Cheese: A melty ingredient that adds richness and extra flavor to the filling.
• Egg: Used for brushing the empanadas to create a golden-brown, glossy finish.

• Salsa, Guacamole, Fresh Salad: Complementary sides that can enhance the empanadas' flavor profile.

How to Fold and Bake Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Bell peppers

Stir occasionally until the beef browns completely and vegetables soften, about 7-10 minutes.

Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Enhance the Flavor Profile

• Cumin
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder

Stir thoroughly and let the spices meld with the meat for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Shape the Empanada Shells

Roll out pie crusts on a clean surface.

Use a cereal bowl to cut circular shapes.

Aim for about 8 total circles by rerolling leftover dough.

Step 5: Fill the Empanadas

Place pie crust circles on the prepared baking sheet.

Add a generous spoonful of meat mixture to the center of each circle.

Sprinkle cheese on top of the meat.

Step 6: Seal the Empanadas

Fold each pie crust circle in half, creating a half-moon shape.

Press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely and prevent filling from leaking.

Step 7: Create a Golden Finish

Whisk an egg and brush it over the top of each empanada.

This will help create a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the empanadas turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Let cool briefly before serving.

Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Crisp and Flavorful Empanadas

• Remove all excess fat after cooking to prevent soggy empanadas and ensure a crisp, flaky crust that holds together perfectly.
• Press fork edges firmly to create a tight seal, stopping any delicious filling from leaking during baking and maintaining a neat, professional appearance.
• Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack, cheddar, or queso fresco to add unique flavor profiles and personalize your empanadas.
• Adjust chili powder and spices to suit your heat tolerance, creating a milder version for kids or a spicier option for heat lovers.
• Choose high-quality ground beef and fresh bell peppers to enhance the overall taste and ensure a more vibrant, flavorful filling.

How to Store and Reheat Empanadas Easily

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in a single layer, separating each empanada with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerated empanadas will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen empanadas can last up to 3 months. Mark the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place refrigerated or thawed empanadas on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crust's texture.
• Set air fryer to 350°F. Cook refrigerated or thawed empanadas for 3-4 minutes until crisp and warm. This method helps restore the original crunchiness quickly.

What to Serve with Beef Empanadas

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Serve beef empanadas with tangy chimichurri sauce, a traditional Argentine condiment that cuts through the richness of the meat with its vibrant herb and vinegar profile.
• Complementary Drink Selection: Pour a crisp Argentine Malbec wine, whose bold red fruit notes and slight spiciness perfectly match the cumin and chili powder in the empanada filling.
• Cool Sidekick Option: Prepare a zesty lime-cilantro crema for dipping, which adds a creamy, bright counterpoint to the savory beef and provides a refreshing contrast to the empanada's warmth.
• Fresh Accompaniment Choice: Create a simple black bean and corn salad with a light lime vinaigrette, offering a cool, light side that balances the empanada's hearty texture and spiced meat.

Empanada Fillings You Can Try

• Vegetarian Stuffed Pastry: Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meat-free version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Empanada Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour-based dough to create a celiac-friendly alternative that keeps the traditional empanada texture and taste.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap chili powder for chipotle powder, and include pepper jack cheese to create a fiery version with extra kick and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute pie crust with thin sliced zucchini or large lettuce leaves as a wrapper, using ground beef filling and reducing overall carbohydrate content for a diet-friendly approach.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?

Use a fork to firmly press down the edges of the pie crust when sealing. Make sure no filling is near the edges and that you create a tight seal to keep the beef mixture inside during baking.

• Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the empanadas in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Cover them with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, brush with egg wash and bake directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content. This provides enough fat for flavor while preventing the empanadas from becoming too greasy. Lean ground beef can work but might result in a slightly drier filling.

• Is there a way to make these empanadas spicier?

Add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or serve with a hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Easy Beef Empanada Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy golden beef empanadas bring South American street food magic right to home kitchens. Flaky pastry pockets filled with savory seasoned beef create a delightful meal you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package pre-made pie crust (2 rolls)
• 1 cup Mexican blended cheese

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 medium bell pepper, diced

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine ground beef, onions, and bell peppers. Cook while stirring occasionally until the beef is completely browned, onions become translucent, and peppers soften, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Incorporate cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder into the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly and allow spices to meld for an additional 2 minutes, intensifying the flavor profile.
4. Spread out pre-made pie crusts on a clean surface. Use a cereal bowl to trace and cut circular shapes. Typically, each crust yields three circles. Reroll remaining dough to create additional circles, aiming for about 8 empanadas total.
5. Position pie crust circles on the prepared baking sheet. Center 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture on each circle, then sprinkle cheese over the filling.
6. Carefully fold each pie crust circle in half, creating a half-moon shape. Crimp edges firmly with a fork to seal completely and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
7. Whisk an egg and delicately brush the surface of each empanada to ensure a golden, glossy finish during baking.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the empanadas turn a rich golden brown. Allow to cool briefly before serving alongside salsa, guacamole, or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish, ensuring a lighter texture without compromising flavor.
• Create a gluten-free option by substituting pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough or using corn tortillas as a wrapper for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add extra vegetables like corn, spinach, or diced zucchini to boost nutritional value and introduce more complexity to the empanada’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg